Lake Lure, Chimney Rock plans nearing final stage

The communities of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday to receive input from the towns’ leaders regarding the market assessment and branding of the two towns.

The meeting will be held at the Lake Lure Municipal Center and all residents are invited.

After this input session, the plan will studied for a couple more weeks before it’s in the final draft form.

Shannon Baldwin, Lake Lure’s community development director, said as the work continues on the assessment, the public is asked to bring input and ideas on the recommendations,that have been presented by the firm of Arnett-Muldrow.

“This is a work in progress,” said Baldwin.

After Monday night’s input session, the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village councils will take formal action on the plan.

The town will showcase the branding initiative in January during a meeting with residents, town councils and Department of Transportation.

“At that time we’ll showcase the branding initiative and other things we’ve been working on like the marina, plans for the Classical Academy, the Flowering Bridge and Chimney Rock State Park’s Master plan,” Baldwin said.

The transportation issue will be presented by DOT in relation to the new state park entrance points.

“This region is a great place to visit and we want to make sure we are jointly working on the same message and the same presentation,” he said of the marketing plans for the neighboring tourist towns. “But we are not taking anything away from our respective distinctions. We are maintaining our own identities. . .and also collectively,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin also said the market assessment will help to build existing businesses and attract new businesses.

The Jan. 15 meeting will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m.and everyone is invited to attend.